Research Progress on MXenes: Preparation, Property and Application in Tumor Theranostics

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have brought about significant technological advancements in the field of biomaterials.Transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) have a planar structure educed from their corresponding parent MAX phase by selective etching of 'A' and further delamination.Since the first MXene was reported in 2011, MXenes now comprise a rapidly growing family of 2D materials, having attracted extensive attention from researchers.Owing to their excellent electronic properties, outstanding photothermal conversion performance, high specific surface area, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity, MXenes have shown a good application prospect in tumor theranostics.This paper reviews substantive findings of the original researches focused on the preparation, property and application in tumor theranostics, including recent advances, challenges and future perspectives of MXenes.Firstly, we briefly summarize the preparation methods and property of MXenes, including HF acid method, fluoride salt method, molten